The disastrous floods of Boxing Day 2015-16 affected many of music studios around Leeds and Rupert Stroud was unfortunately one of those artists. It was therefore perhaps not surprising that Rupert has been fairly quiet over the past year, opting instead to play at a number of private venues.

BandsInTown is one of the most used apps on my phone, telling me not only when but whereabouts my favourite artists are playing locally.

When I therefore received a notification that Rupert Stroud (I’m a bit of a groupie) would be playing at the Brudnell Social Club; my ticket was as good as bought.

Headlining the evening was London based singer songwriter Tom Speight but I’m getting a bit ahead of myself…

Leeds College Of Music student Henry Bateman was the first on stage and his down to earth demeanour and reflective folk songs were instantly likeable and relaxed.

I particularly loved “Show No Fear” a song inspired by the famous image of the small boy in Afghanistan who was made homeless.

‘Should I’ his latest single which is to be released on Monday complete with music video reflects on life in Hyde Park (the one in Leeds rather than the London one) and his experiences as a student.

Rupert Stroud followed up the chilled atmosphere with an acoustic solo set including some of his most loved tracks.

Leeds lad Rupert Stroud is difficult to pigeon hole into a specific genre straddling the world of rock, pop and acoustic with oodles and poodles of heart and talent.

Personal favourites of the night included the party starter ‘Light It Up’ and Yorkshire anthem ‘Way Back Home’

I’m ‘Falling’ in ‘Love’ with Tom Speight and it would appear that I’m not alone in this as ‘Willow Tree’ is a somewhat popular choice for the first dance at weddings. Four couples who chose this song for their nuptials attended one of Tom’s London dates.

Folky singer songwriter Tom Speight has more talent in his little finger than you can shake a stick at and this coupled with his personable and comedic manner marks him out as as a truly special artist.